Chicago Veterans Ruck March

Friday, May 24th

Chicago Veterans Ruck March 2024

Join us in commemorating the 10th Anniversary of our Chicago Veterans Ruck March! Together, let’s raise awareness of suicide prevention efforts and fight to reduce of stigma surrounding mental health. This is a pressing issue that impacts our community every day. An estimated 126 people die by suicide daily in the US, 17 of them being military veterans. Join us in our mission to spread awareness and reduce the stigma!

What began in 2014 with 35 veterans and supporters walking from Glencoe to Navy Pier has grown to over 10,000 veterans, family members, and friends from across the United States walking to raise awareness. Join us as we walk in honor and remember those we’ve lost at home and on the battlefield.

This year our Ruck March is 17-miles instead of 22-miles representing the 17 veterans we lose every single day to suicide, down from 22 veterans a few years ago.

Check out our FAQ Page to learn more: https://chicagovets.org/ruck-march-faqs/

Event Day Rundown:

0700: Participant Check-In begins (Veterans Memorial Park 299 Park Avenue, Glencoe, IL 60022)
0830: Opening Ceremony
0900: First Wave Step Off
1100-1300: Lunch at Centennial Park in Evanston (1821 N Sheridan Road, Evanston)
1400 – 1800: Finish line/medals in Chicago along Lake Michigan (Lincoln Park)

View our Ruck March Route.

PHOTOS

Register for the Ruck March

Registration is now open! Register as an individual or grab your friends and co-workers and register as a team! Each year we have over 150 teams participate.

Create a Fundraiser

Can’t attend our Chicago Veterans Ruck March but still want to support? Help us raise awareness and create your very own fundraising page.

FUNDRAISE

Volunteer with us

Our volunteers help make this event a success! Help share our mission, hang flyers, social media and marketing support, photographers, and more!

Become a Ruck March Sponsor

Partner with us! If you or your company is interested in becoming a sponsor please use the link below to fill out the quick interest form and receive our sponsorship package. We have various sponsorship tiers including opportunities to partner as nonprofit agency.